“Rooted in the principles of communication, consistency, and curiosity, this pathway enables learners to build a secure understanding of their environment through structure, repetition, and supported discovery. Through exploration, learners develop early independence, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, while also building social interaction skills and tolerance of others. These foundations prepare learners for increasingly meaningful participation in real-life contexts.
The Discover and Explore pathway celebrate each learner’s strengths and needs, fostering agency, engagement, and connection at every stage of their journey.”
Our learners following the Discover and Explore pathway are supported to successfully access learning by:
- Clear visual timetables and individual schedules: eye-level, learner-friendly visuals with now/ next boards used rigorously
- Opportunities for structured exploration: sensory tools, functional play, and supported peer interactions are planned into the day
- Supported independence: encourage early self-help and choice-making with scaffolding
- Consistent communication around adult support: use of ‘who is working with who’ visuals to support with routine and reduce anxiety
- Consistent transition routines: transition packs and timers used consistently, with gradually increasing independence in transitions
- Calm, low-stimulus spaces readily available: learners supported to recognise when they need to access them